Alzheimer Society of Canada
The Alzheimer Society’s vision is a world without Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Our mission is to alleviate the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and to promote research.
Our Values
Collaboration Accountability Respect Excellence
Senior Manager, Government Advocacy
Reporting to the Vice President Government Advocacy, the Senior Manager, Government Advocacy brings established experience and meaningful political and bureaucratic connections to the federal government of Canada. This is a relationship building and stewardship role that leverages key connections and contacts to elevate the status and reputation of the Alzheimer Society of Canada as a capable and credible partner of the Federal government. Located in Ottawa, this role will ensure that the Alzheimer Society of Canada is well connected and has a strong presence with politicians and public servants ‘on the Hill’.
This role supports all national government relations and advocacy strategies such as National campaigns, Federal elections, budgets and funding opportunities, Minister Mandates and Federal agency agendas that the leadership of the ASC deems is a priority area.
This role will work closely with the Vice President to manage public policy/affairs on priority issues related to Alzheimer disease and dementia and will include activities such as, working with an advisory council, subject matter experts and People with Lived Experience. Success outcomes associated with this work include influencing funding and health system and policy changes at the federal level. Also required will be the creation of briefing documents, position statements, policy papers and official recommendations.
What You’ll be Doing
- Researching, developing and nurturing relationships with federal politicians and public servants who have a sincere interest in our cause. The goal will be to build ASC’s presence and capacity to positively and ethically influence key agendas.
- Closely monitoring federal government agendas in parliament, senate, committees and caucus’ and pursue invitations for ASC to be witnesses, provide official statements or submissions and be a strong voice for people living with dementia. Arrange advocacy campaigns, “Hill days”, advocacy days/weeks.
- Monitoring for and identifying grant and sponsorship opportunities and other funding sources. Working with grant writers to develop successful submissions.
- Organizing and facilitating roundtables to bring influential people together on an important topic, fostering rich discussion, gaining consensus and moving action items forward through review and approval processes.
- Preparing key written materials, including written and witness statements, briefing notes, briefing meetings, Pre-Budget Consultations, official statements or submissions, advocacy templates, etc.
- As assigned by the VP Government Advocacy, sitting on external committees, working groups or meetings with key stakeholders to represent ASC and monitoring and reporting back to internal staff.
- Responsibility for executing national policy and advocacy, working across departments and within the ASC federate model to be a credible partner and valuable resource.
- Assisting the VP Government Advocacy with preparing Senior Leadership staff, senior leadership volunteers, experts and People With Lived experience with pre-meeting briefings; providing meeting support and post-meeting debriefing and follow-up.
- At the direction of the VP Government Advocacy, planning and implementing strategic priorities spanning multiple levels of government or complex health topics.
- Serving as a point of contact for government inquiries, requests for information and engagement opportunities.
- Will be responsible for both fundraising and KPIs established for government advocacy.
- Perform other duties consistent with the job classification, as required.
- Ability to work in the ASC office as needed (hybrid)
Your Qualifications and Education
- University degree in relevant area of study
- A Seasoned Government Relations professional with a minimum of 10 years of experience with a combination of: (1) Federal government relations and stakeholder identification/management (2) Health not for profit organizations in Canada
- Deep understanding of the federal government related to health and social service topics
- Eligibility to be registered as a lobbyist with the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada
Other Knowledge, Skills, Abilities or Certifications:
- Diplomacy skills and ability to work in uncertainty are a must.
- Be a constant presence in Ottawa and seen as a valuable, credible resource to politicians, their staff and public servants.
- Strong organization, event and project management skills to be able to handle events both large and small such as national campaigns, “Hill days”, advocacy days/weeks, roundtables, advisory groups and meetings.
- Ability to work with Ambassadors who may be researchers, clinicians, People With Lived Experience or staff to ensure they are prepared for meetings and events.
- Excellent communications skills and diplomacy to coordinate consultations with internal and external partners and stakeholders.
- Attention to detail as well as understanding the “big picture”.
- Easily build relationships and is able to positively influence both internally (cross-department collaboration, working with federation partners) and externally (federal government and national organizations).
- Highly organized project manager that is able to work independently but also enjoys working within a team environment.
- Strategic mindset and ability to “connect the dots”.
- Agile thinking and solid judgement.
- Preference for experience working in a federated model or at a national health organization.
- Experience working with, or within, the federal government in the last 5 years is a must.
- Bilingualism is an asset.
Travel Requirements
- between Ottawa and Toronto will be required.
- license and access to a car is required to travel to MP offices and/or attend meetings or events.
Physical Demands
- Ability to attend meetings on Parliament Hill and between buildings within proximity to the downtown core of Ottawa
- Sensory attention is required for most of the workday (looking at computer screen, reading documents, etc.)
- Ability to drive and travel when necessary
- Ability to attend events or meetings that may be in the evenings and on weekends
Commitment to Equitable Recruitment
The Alzheimer Society of Canada recognizes the value and dignity of each individual and ensures everyone has genuine, open, and unhindered access to employment opportunities, free from any barriers, systemic or otherwise. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment, where the rights of all individuals and groups are protected and all members feel safe, respected, empowered, and valued for their contributions. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes in accordance with the Human Rights Code and AODA.
How to Apply
Please include a resume with your application. We thank all who apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Closing Date: May 1, 2024
